2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. Its Competition

2013 Toyota RAV4 EV FWD 4-door Angular Front Exterior View
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The new RAV4 comes into clearer focus, now that it's losing its third-row seat and its six-cylinder engine options.

As a four-cylinder five-seater, it's a direct competitor for the likes of the Ford Escape--and it even favors it a little with its athletic stance.

The Escape's trio of powertrains offer more choice and good EPA-rated fuel economy, and its handling is very sporty, though interior room is on the tight side.

The latest CR-V also pegs the gas-mileage meter and has excellent space and flexibility, with somewhat less engaging styling and civilian handling.

There's also a new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that falls into a slightly larger size class; its turbo four option feels energetic, but drops highway fuel economy into the high 20s.

2013 Toyota RAV4 EV FWD 4-door Angular Front Exterior View2013 Toyota RAV4
Browse Used Listings		2013 Ford Escape FWD 4-door S Angular Front Exterior View2013 Ford Escape
Browse Used Listings		2013 Honda CR-V 2WD 5dr EX-L w/Navi Angular Rear Exterior View2013 Honda CR-V
Browse Used Listings		2013 Hyundai Santa Fe2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.2
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 excels at mass-market talents like gas mileage and interior room--but for turbocharged fun in a crossover, you'll have to look elsewhere.
8.0
After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.
7.8
The 2013 Honda CR-V hits all the right marks for cost-conscious families—with its interior layout and safety ratings both best-in-class—although it doesn't feel as sprightly as former CR-V models.
8.2
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe splits its identity in two: the three-row ute goes V-6 only, while the five-passenger Sport leans on turbo power, a flexible second-row seat and a cushy ride to make its best case ever.
MSRP From   
$23,300$22,470$22,795$24,700
Gas Mileage   
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy
Engine   
Gas I4Gas I4Gas I4Gas I4
EPA Class   
Sport Utility VehicleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD2WD Sport UtilitySport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Style Name   
FWD 4-Door LE (SE)FWD 4-Door S2WD 5-Door LXFWD 4-Door Sport
Drivetrain   
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity   
5555
Passenger Doors   
N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style   
4 DoorSport Utility VehicleSport Utility VehicleCrossover
Transmission   
AutomaticAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomaticAutomatic w/Manual Shift
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2013 Ford Escape2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2013 Honda CR-V2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe